Center City will be under blackout conditions Friday, Dec. 17, when the Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball team stakes its claim to the Time Warner Cable Arena.

First-year head coach Alan Major and the 49ers will take on the 11th-ranked Volunteers from the University of Tennessee. The third annual “Blackout” game tips off at 8:00 PM in the Time Warner Cable Arena with the contest airing live nationally on CBS College Sports.

UNC Charlotte students and fans are encouraged to wear black in support of the team. The official "BLACKOUT" T-shirt is available now for only $14.99 at Barnes and Noble at UNC Charlotte and the Barnes and Noble kiosk at Halton Arena on game day. T-shirts may also be purchased online at Charlotte49ers.com.

Also, the first 3,000 fans in attendance to the Dec. 17 game will receive a 49ers light up rally towel courtesy of Time Warner Cable.

A recent Charlotte 49ers tradition, the Blackout game (as with past Whiteout games) gives our students and fans a rallying point to demonstrate the strength of the Niner Nation, said Nick Konawalik, director of marketing for the Charlotte 49ers.

Beyond supporting their team, Charlotte 49ers basketball fans will be treated to a thrilling halftime show as Hardee’s presents Air Elite, a dynamic and versatile dunk team that will deliver a high energy, action-packed performance.

A limited number of lower level tickets remain and are available via the purchase of season tickets - starting at $49 - or a Pick 4 Mini-Pack - allowing fans the flexibility of choosing four 49ers games of their choice - by calling the Charlotte 49ers Athletic Ticket Office at 704-687-4949. Single game tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.